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The hero of England’s 1966 triumph said: “It was quite a shock actually. I couldn’t believe they would ask me to do something like that, but I’m very pleased and chuffed. I’m looking forward to it… and I’ll do my best to give England a good draw too!”

The tournament will begin on June 14 next year, and the draw will decide the groups for participating teams.

It was announced today that Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker will host the glitzy draw ceremony, along with Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya.

Lineker, the top scorer at the 1986 tournament in Mexico and a semi-finalist four years later in Italy, said: "As a player, I was fortunate enough to take part in the World Cup finals on two occasions. It is quite special to be involved in yet another tournament — now on the stage, unveiling the results of the draw.